In Japan, even a small act like exchanging business cards can have a serious effect on how you are perceived or what kind of impression you make on a business contact.
Japanese business card etiquette can seem complex to foreigners but it’s actually quite simple if you break the process down into steps.
Follow these simple rules to make sure your Japanese business card etiquette is correct and that you make a great impression on any new Japanese clients or business contacts you meet.
1. The card should look brand new and not be worn or dirty. A business card in bad condition is a sign of thoughtlessness and will make a very bad first impression. Many Japanese people will have a special leather case to make sure their cards are in top condition.
2. Offer the card with both hands so that is the correct way up for the person you are offering it to. In this case, its best to hold the two corners of the card nearest you so that it can be read easily by the person receiving it.
3. When receiving a business card, accept it in two hands holding the corners nearest you. Make sure not to cover any of the information with your hands and make note of the person’s name, company and position.
4. If you are standing, bow and place the business card at the back of your business card case. Don’t put it in your pocket, this is rude.
5. If you are seated, place the card on the table for the duration of your meeting then put it in your business card holder once the meeting is over.
6. If you need to exchange cards with someone who has a different status or level within the company, the person in a lower position is expected to hold his or her card lower.
So, now you know about Japanese business card etiquette, why not expand your skills in the langauge, too? With learn2lingo, it’s easy to take a Japanese class with your own private teacher from the comfort of your own home. Click here to see which teachers are online and ready to help you learn.
This article is a submission for the Japan Blog Matsuri hosted by Muza-chan’s Gate to Japan.
Excellent article. However, you may also want to point out the importance of having a proper Japanese business card translation performed of your business card. You should have it translated and printed in Japanese. Then you can present it with the Japanese-only side up for much more impact.
Great idea. I have lots of Japanese friends who have bilingual business cards. It seems like a good way to make the most of both sides of the card.
Yes, It is very important for Japanese people to exchange the business cards which establishes a person’s station and status.
If you don’t know how to pronounce their name or how to read as their name is written in kanji, you are ok to ask the person politely.
Please don’t write on people’s business card in front of the people you recieved from.(At least, you need to wait until you finish the meeting.)
By the way, Business card in Japanese is “MEISHI”.
Very interesting, Rinko. Is there a special greeting people say in Japanese when they present their business cards?
When you recieve the “Meishi” from the other person, you say “chodai shimasu” which means thank you so much for giving me it.
And when you present your “Meishi” to the other, you say “Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu” which means please to meet you.
Thanks for the tip, Rinko. I’ll have to remember it when I visit Japan!
[...] 2. Offer the gift with both hands. This is the most polite way to present a gift and is similar to the way you give someone your buisness card in Japan. [...]
cool article. great contribution to the japan blog matsuri!
Thanks for the kind comment, Reesan. Those pictures of yakitori on the front page of your blog made me feel so hungry!